The two finalists, Pure Dakota and Grassroots Cannabis, were announced by Medical Marijuana Division Director Jason Wahl on Wednesday, May 16th. Should the finalists receive final approval, Pure Dakota would locate their facility in Bismarck, while Grassroots Cannabis would be located in Fargo. If approved, these facilities would be responsible for growing marijuana and converting it into a medical marijuana product.

However, before final approval, the manufacturing facilities will still have to adhere to additional requirements.

Each application submitted to become a medical marijuana manufacturer was scored by a seven-member panel made up of health officials, law enforcement, citizens, and a state lawyer. The application period is now closed.

Medical marijuana in North Dakota first gained voters' approval in November 2016. Since then, legislators and state officials have been developing North Dakota's new medical marijuana program.